Nokia deploys 'wave messaging' mobile

LEDs project SMS to astounded onlookers

Those readers who believe that they have the phone with every conceivable function known to mankind are in for a nasty shock. As is anyone standing within striking distance of Nokia's forthcoming 3220 - the first mobile to offer aerial SMS displays to astounded onlookers.

Nokia has already started the spin surrounding the "Xpress-on Fun Shell" for the 3220, an innovation guaranteed to change the face of waving as we know it. Or at least waving in the dark.

The clip-on cover has 12 orange LEDs so when it's waved around, a short message or image appears - just like projecting a laser onto the surface of the moon and equally pointless. And it only works at night - or as the blurb on the website goes: "The optimum environment for wave messaging is when no daylight is available." Quite so.

So, if you are standing within six metres of the recipient of your message and there is an absence of daylight you can start waving your phone to display the message or image of your choice - just like this chap in the picture, whose life has been enhanced beyond recognition by wave messaging.

You can wave a preset message or image or create your own. Or you could buy two phones and get a job parking jumbos at the airport. Alternatively, lay 50 3220s in two rows of 25 and you could guide in drug-laden light aircraft with a friendly "land here no feds w8ing" message beamed to the heavens. Let's face it, the possibilites are endless.

Available in the third quarter of this year the 3220 has plenty of features even without adding the ability to wave. The tri-band phone comes with an integrated camera, picture editing software, animated messaging, XHTML browser. The clip-on cover also includes motion sensors which allow you to control two games, SwampRacer and Air Express, by tilting and moving your phone.

The shells will be available in the fourth quarter of this year, in blue/orange and red/metallic, so start saving those pennies. There is more on Nokia's website here ®